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APPENDIX II
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APPENDIX II
would be done as part of a company deliberate attack on a fortified defended enemy location.
Battalion support weapons would be employed to neutralise the enemy. These exercises were
the first live firing experiences anyone in our group had experienced.
XI. VEHICLE AMBUSH
The last week of the course concentrated on vehicle ambush training. According to the
Israeli advisors, vehicle ambush was typically executed behind enemy lines against vehicles
moving in a convoy carrying troops or logistical goods. A typical ambush force would be
company strength. Two platoon-sized ambush parties would be located 100m to 200m
apart and the third platoon would act as a reserve force. The overall ambush force would
include left and right cut-off sections. In our case, the day vehicle ambush lesson was to
be conducted as the platoon on the right flank of the company. The live firing was to be
executed in Pasir Laba, at the point along the road facing Bajau Hill 205. The exercise began
with an analysis of the situation, using a sand table and then a ground study to appreciate
the actual problems. After understanding what needed to be considered for the mission,
rehearsals at the designated location were done. The group commander was ASP Wilfred
Skinner, with CPT Edward Chan as his second-in-command. The demolition team was led
by SGT Tan Cheng Bong who had SVC 2LT Shari and 2 SIR 2LT Robert Wee to assist him.
The appointment holders were nominated with the view to give every trainee an opportunity
to experience working with all ranks. The ambush began with Four-Track Junction as the
assembly area where live ammunition was distributed and the live petrol tank bomb called a
‘fougas’, was set up. This task was supervised by CPT John Morrice. DSP T.E. Ricketts was
appointed the Supervising Safety Officer. Everyone was involved in this exercise, including
the full turnout of the Israelis. No one was left out of battle (LOB). The day vehicle ambush
live firing exercise was orchestrated with precision. The execution was done according to
plan. It began with the thunderous explosion and the fireball of the petrol bomb, followed
by deafening rifle fire with tracers. The support weapons added to the uproar. The assault
force charged aggressively and kept firing to the limit line of exploitation. After almost 30
minutes of destructive action, there was a sudden silence, followed by the re-organisation
phase. At the quick debriefing, one of the Israeli advisors, his face glowing with pride,
praised the performance. Then he pointed to the sky to remind us of the finale performance
which was to be held the following night.
The next morning, MAJ Jacob of the Paratrooper School, briefed us on the key points of a
night vehicle ambush. Night vehicle ambush operations would be carried out deep in enemy
territory. To reach the ambush location, the assigned force would be required to go through
a few secured tactical locations. During the day, a clandestine recce team would have gone
out to confirm the route to be taken to the various positions for the ambush. CPT James
Teo was appointed commander of the mission. DSP Richard Tay was his deputy. The recce
team of four was led by 2LT Alan Lie. His team comprised Inspector Chin, Sergeant Yacob